KARACHI, Nov 25: Sweden can extend expertise to Pakistan in the fields of bio-technology, water management, air pollution control and public transport.

This was stated by head of visiting Swedish trade delegation Ambassador Jan Palmstierna while speaking at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here on Thursday.

He said in his meeting with Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad he had also discussed the possibilities of cooperation in the fields of public transport, water management and air pollution control.

Referring to the sale of 32 Scania buses, he said that more such CNG buses could be exported to Pakistan. Similarly, Sweden can reactivate cooperation under its overseas development organization SEDA and provide training in various fields to Pakistanis.

Responding to low trade volume between the two countries, Mr Palmstierna agreed that trade between Pakistan and Sweden was very low as compared to other neighbouring countries like India and Bangladesh and added that it should be enhanced. He invited the KCCI to form a delegation of leading Pakistani exporters so that Pakistani exports to Sweden should be enhanced.

Mr Palmstierna emphasized upon business communities of Pakistan and Sweden to work for a deeper and lasting cooperation between the two countries and capitalize the existing opportunities.

He said Swedish businessmen saw a robust economic growth in Pakistan as an opportunity to expand trade and investment relations and the visit of this delegation was a follow-up of President Musharraf's visit to Sweden in July this year.

Earlier, KCCI President Khalid Firoz said the bilateral trade volume was limited and underlined the need for expanding trade volume through joint ventures. He said Pakistan's exports to Sweden increased from $61.3 million in 1999-2000 to $71.5 million in 2003-04, while imports surged from $49.5 million to $66.9 million during the same period. -APP